Fishician®Diet
Carnivore – high-quality cichlid pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, earthworms
Aquarium species profile
Altum Angelfish
Pterophyllum altum · South America (Venezuela/Colombia — upper Orinoco and Rio Negro)
Minimum tank75 gal
Adult size7" body, up to 15" tall
Care levelDifficult
TemperamentPeaceful
Temperature82–90°F
pH range4.5–6.0
Compatible tank mates
Large peaceful tetras (Bleeding Heart, Congo), Sterbai Corydoras, calm fish that won't nip fins
Tank mates to avoid
Fin-nippers, aggressive species, hard-water fish
Care notes
Taller and more striking than the common Angelfish. Requires very soft, acidic, warm blackwater conditions — difficult to recreate. One of the most majestic freshwater fish. Wild-caught specimens are very expensive and delicate. A bucket-list fish for serious hobbyists.
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.